She's Done It!

For eleven days in June, Caroline Buckingham and an intrepid team of explorers including Head teacher Claire Lillis of Ian Mikardo School, four previous students, My Body Co-ordinator and the Vice-Chair of the Charity, climbed Africa's highest mountain to raise funds for a new curriculum area called My Home. Nerves really started kicking in at the airport and the team were only able to snatch a few hours sleep in between panic attacks as reality dawned and they contemplated the task ahead.

Altitude sickness started as early as the second day and during the 15 hour trek the team really had to dig deep and work together to make the last few hours through the dark. It was impossible to appreciate the stunning scenery or even how friendly the Action Challenge guide and sherpas were - it really took every bit of resolve and determination to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

As the days went by and the temperature continued to drop it became harder to breathe. Battling through intense headaches and aching muscles, the team tried to keep up their spirits by singing, wearing grass moustaches and even planking! Beneath it all everyone was tired, ill, filthy and petrified they wouldn't make it.

Reaching the top was a relief and the team all burst into tears having finally succeeded at such a mentally and physically challenging task.

You can still support the charity by donating online through JustGiving (www.justgiving.com/imhs).

Caroline Buckingham, HLM Director of Education, has worked closely with Ian Mikardo School, Tower Hamlets over the last 8 years and has recently been appointed as Chairman of the Charity "Friends of Ian Mikardo School".

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